ARTH101: Art Appreciation and Techniques

9.4.1 Early Christian and Byzantine Art

• Smarthistory.org: Dr. Allen Farber's "Early Christian Art: An Introduction" Page

  Read this excellent introduction to art and early Christianity.

• Smarthistory.org: Dr. Allen Farber's "Early Christian Art and Architecture After Constantine" Page

  Read this article to grasp the importance of the legalization of Christianity by Constantine for the development of Christian art.

• Smarthistory.org: "Byzantine Art: Justinian and His Attendants" Page

  Watch this video for a discussion of a mosaic in the church of San Vitale in Ravenna. Make sure you understand that "Byzantine art" refers to art that bears the influence of the Byzantine Empire's Christian art style. Mosaic was one of the preferred mediums of Byzantine art. Reflect upon the formal qualities of this art form, asking why it might have been a medium of choice for Christianity in its early stages.